With the number of draft picks the Oklahoma City Thunder have accumulated since their rebuild began in the 2019 offseason, it’s no surprise that not every player drafted has had long-term success.
One of the most disappointing players to no longer be part of Oklahoma City’s plans is Darius Bazley, who was acquired with the 23rd pick in the 2019 NBA draft in a three-team deal with the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. The forward spent three and a half seasons with the organization before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, and after brief stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Jazz, he signed with the Guangdong Tigers in China on Saturday.
After five years, it’s possible Bazley may no longer be in the NBA. At just 24, time is on his side, but the path back from overseas to the league has typically been fraught with difficulties for other players. Regardless of whether he finds his way back, his time with the Thunder is likely over for good.
Bazley never really found his footing in the league, even during his years in Oklahoma City. He averaged 13.7 points per game in his second season, but that was due to poor efficiency on a team that won 22 games. His role diminished as the seasons went on, leading to a potential trade at the 2023 trade deadline.
The Thunder gave him the chance to be part of their core later on, but he was never able to fully seize it.
Looking at the players who were drafted after Bazley, the choice seems even worse. Jordan Poole, Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford are three players who could have had a more significant impact on the roster, but instead, Oklahoma City selected a player who bypassed college before the G League took off as a legitimate pre-draft destination.
At the time, Bazley’s potential seemed like a pretty big deal for the Thunder, given their position as a rebuilding team, but that potential never quite reached its peak. It happens, but the decision still seems like a bad one in hindsight.
Fortunately, Oklahoma City potentially has 14 more picks over the next five years to help heal the wound.
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